In this column, Zofia Wijaszka reviews forgotten, underrated, and “hidden gems” horror films that deserve a new audience’s attention and post-watch conversation. The Terror Comeback’s goal is to celebrate the horror genre, both the genre in the cinema and on television.
It’s no secret that yours truly absolutely loves the horror genre and all of its subgenres, ranging from slashers to body horror and supernatural tales. And while the gore in slasher or body horror films always gets me, it’s the suspense: and the often-seen “based on a true story” element, that frequently terrifies me even more.
Mikael Håfström’s 1408, based on the short story by Stephen King, is one of those films that stayed in my memory for a long time. I recently had a chance to rewatch it on my day off and I must say: it stayed with me for days yet again, despite being rated PG-13. That just goes to show how solid the direction, writing, and casting truly are.
1408 Review: Scary, Emotional, and Memorable
1408 tells the story of Mike Enslin (John Cusack), a successful author and skeptic whose passion lies in debunking the supernatural phenomena he writes about. But everything changes when he checks into the Dolphin Hotel, a place known for its supposed paranormal presence. Completely ignoring the warnings of hotel manager Gerard Olin (Samuel L. Jackson), Mike decides to spend the night in room 1408, where he quickly discovers just how haunted the place truly is.
Despite focusing on Mike’s battle with a haunted room, there is another element of the narrative that lingers in an even more harrowing way. As we get to know Mike, we learn that not only did he and his wife Lily (Mary McCormack) separate, but they also lost their daughter Katie (Jasmine Jessica Anthony) to a terminal illness. With that knowledge, we begin to understand that Mike’s overwhelming grief is prevalent throughout the film, shaping both his emotional state and his decisions.
Cusack as Mike is simply unstoppable. Known for films like Say Anything and Serendipity, the actor has long proven his range. And in 1408, he certainly doesn’t disappoint. In fact, his facial expressions are masterful, expertly reflecting the anguish, pain, and terror his character experiences again and again.
As Mike slowly descends into madness, tormented by hauntings and ghosts of the past, reality begins to blur with illusion. It’s up to us to deduce what’s real and what exists only in Mike’s mind. What further intensifies the horror is the feeling of entrapment. As Mike shifts from calm to mildly concerned to full-blown panic, his psychological state mirrors how he perceives the room: a space he cannot escape, no matter how desperately he tries.
That claustrophobic atmosphere, paired with complex storytelling and strong performances, makes 1408 a great watch, not only for the first time, but for a rewatch as well. Especially when one realizes the filmmakers created different endings for the film. Some audiences saw one version, while the televised cut featured a different outcome. This approach adds an additional layer of mystery and even encourages viewers to revisit King’s original story, if they haven’t already.
If you find yourself with nothing to watch and you enjoy suspense layered with commentary on real-life grief and trauma, 1408 is for you. You’ll feel emotional, terrified, and shocked. And maybe, just maybe, it will make you think twice before investigating the paranormal.
Grade: A-
1408 is available to rent or purchase on various streaming platforms.
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1408
A man who specializes in debunking paranormal occurrences checks into the fabled room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel. Soon after settling in, he confronts genuine terror.
